Happy
Honolulu
Friday, September 26th, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 26th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Lahaina’s new 57-acre interim housing development now shelters over 320 families displaced by recent wildfires—officials say it is Maui’s largest temporary housing option for survivors. KITV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Graffiti artist Slick discussed his new legacy mural at Aiea High School during Jolanie’s Holo Holo series interview—his project blends creative vision with community art and highlights modern school traditions. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Iao Valley is gaining global attention as Jason Momoa’s Apple TV+ series 'Chief of War' spotlights a sacred site known for the 1790 Battle of Kepaniwai—Native Hawaiians urge visitors to honor its deep cultural roots. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Volunteers are transforming flatbeds and trailers into vibrant floats for the Aloha Festivals Floral Parade on Saturday morning. The parade will start at 9 a.m. at Ala Moana Beach Park, go through Waikiki, and end at the Kapi’olani Bandstand — with pa’u units highlighting island traditions. Hawaii News Now
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Ho‘aiolona, the Waikiki Aquarium’s resident monk seal, returned after years away and the aquarium will host a homecoming party this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.—featuring keiki-friendly activities and a Hawaiian blessing at 10:30 a.m. on the Monk Seal Deck. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ A one-year ban is now in effect on shipments of plants, gravel and other gardening materials to Molokai to protect the island from the invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle. The state approved the measure after community leaders petitioned and the board voted unanimously—fines for violations range from $100 to $10,000. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ A flood watch remains in effect for Hawai'i and Ni'ihau with flash flooding expected within the next 24 to 48 hours—residents should pay close attention to weather updates. KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On September 20, over 200 Oʻahu residents received free legal help at the Expungement and Bench Warrant Recall Clinic held at the Office of the Public Defenders in Kapālama—more than 50 volunteers processed 143 expungement applications and set new court dates for 68 people. Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald visited the clinic to thank the team and community partners for helping residents overcome legal challenges. Hawaii Free Press
- ➤ The VA announced almost nine million dollars in grants last Thursday to help stop veteran homelessness in Hawaii and Guam—these grants to WestCare Pacific Islands, United States Veterans Initiative and Catholic Charities Hawaii will give veterans access to housing, counseling, health care, financial planning, child care, legal help and transportation. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Hawaii Supreme Court Associate Justice Sabrina McKenna will serve as acting chief justice starting October 1 after Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald retires at the end of September, and Brandon Kimura will succeed Rod Maile as administrative director—marking a key leadership change in the judiciary. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ U.S. Sen. Schatz will speak at a housing forum hosted by Grassroot Institute and Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center on Oct. 15 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi in Honolulu as he promotes bipartisan housing reforms; admission costs $30 and includes lunch and parking while Grassroot President Keliʻi Akina and Appleseed Executive Director Will White moderate discussions on zoning and development regulations. Hawaii Free Press
- ➤ Justice Sabrina S. McKenna will become Acting Chief Justice on October 1 after Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald retires for reaching the mandatory age at the end of September. She is the longest-serving active jurist on the court and will lead with a new administrative team that includes Brandon M. Kimura as the incoming administrative director. Hawaii Free Press
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Honolulu restaurants offer a wide range of pasta dishes that blend classic Italian recipes with local flavors—reviews highlight creative twists at spots like Arancino Kahala, Aroma Italia, Cino, and Giovedì. Critics praise the rich flavors and innovative combinations in dishes that include uni pasta, herb pappardelle, and spicy tagliatelle arrabbiata. Honolulu Magazine
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Today, contracts were signed that let the state and Aloha Halawa District Partners begin dismantling the old Aloha Stadium — the first step toward building a new, modern facility. Dismantling will finish by June next year and the new stadium is planned for use in 2029 while the University of Hawaii football team plays at the interim Ching Complex. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Welcome to the Happy Honolulu, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Honolulu, Hawaii community. If you like the Happy Honolulu, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Honolulu.
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